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Golden crispy rock shrimp tempura on a white plate with creamy spicy sauce and ponzu dipping bowl garnished with green herbs

Rock Shrimp Tempura Recipe (Easy & Crispy – Nobu Style)

Emily Wilson
Discover how to make crispy Rock Shrimp Tempura at home with Nobu’s creamy spicy and ponzu sauces. Easy recipe, tips, and tasty variations included!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Japanese Fusion, Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei)
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Tempura Shrimp:

  • 1 lb rock shrimp fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or tempura flour
  • 1 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 large egg
  • Canola or vegetable oil for frying

For Creamy Spicy Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp sugar

For Ponzu Sauce (optional):

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp citrus juice yuzu or lemon
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp mirin substitute or simple syrup

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rock Shrimp

  • Rinse rock shrimp under cold water. If using fresh, peel and devein with kitchen scissors. If frozen, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels.

Mix the Tempura Batter

  • In a bowl, beat 1 egg and add 1 cup ice-cold water. Gradually whisk in 1 cup flour. Do not overmix, lumps are okay. Keep the batter chilled over ice while frying.

Heat the Frying Oil

  • Pour oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 3 inches deep). Heat to 350°F (175°C) and monitor temperature with a thermometer.

Fry the Rock Shrimp

  • Dip shrimp into the cold batter, let excess drip off, then gently lower into hot oil. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.

Drain and Rest

  • Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep them crisp.

Make Creamy Spicy Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.

Make Ponzu Sauce (Optional)

  • Combine soy sauce, citrus juice, rice vinegar, and mirin substitute or simple syrup for a tangy dipping sauce.

Serve and Garnish

  • Plate the shrimp on a rectangular dish. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Optional sides: pickled ginger or lemon wedges.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Sugars: 1g
Note: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on brands and portion sizes.
Keyword Nobu Shrimp Tempura, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tempura Shrimp